Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Since our launch in 2000, we have actively encouraged our visitors to submit their own reviews of fragrances listed in our database. Presently we have over 30,000 fragrance reviews on the site.

After eight years of showing a wide range of opinions, it is with a tinge of sadness that we are announcing a change in policy. Due to falling sales of fragrances (which affects our business), we have come to an arrangement with the top fragrance houses, that we will only publish positive reviews. We feel that this will cause a boost in sales and lead to a healthier industry.

From 1st May only positive reviews will be accepted. Thank you for your understanding.

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Dear Sir,

Since late 2006 I have been a frequent visitor of Basenotes. In my opinion this is one the best websites to find information on, and comment on, fragrances. I have learned a lot about fragrances because of Basenotes.

I am an avid user of the Fragrance Directory precisely because it provides me with a wide range of opinions: positive, negative, and neutral. The Fragrance Directory is a decisive guideline when I decide to purchase a fragrance (or not to purchase it).

Even though I do not want to reduce the Basenotes' value to just the Fragrance Directory, because there is always the Community, I find the decision to only post positive a very sad and discomforting development.

"Only positive reviews will be accepted?" What kind of attitude is that? You are giving in to the fragrance industry. Is it really so that, the day Basenotes only accepts positive reviews, the "falling sales of fragrances" trend will be reversed? Is that your job? To be a spokesperson for the industry? You cannot even begin to understand how disappointed I am. What about freedom of speech and opinion?

You, dear Sir, are a sellout. I believe you are making the wrong decision.

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

I haven't written a review yet, but have been looking forward to it. It seems like it might be good to do a trial run to be sure it meets the new editorial standards. So, without further ado, I present my first potential review (comments, suggestions, critiques are welcome):

Creed Neroli Sauvage: This scent not only wowed me with its initial punch of neroli and transported me to a football stadium filled to the brim with ripe oranges (hence, the Orange Bowl in America) in which I frolicked unhindered by clothing. It not only did that, it also arranged for my purchase of a villa in Umbria; it made me a passionate, considerate lover; it changed day to night; and it did my dishes.

I don't know if this applies to all of Creed's wonderful range of fragrances (I regularly bathe in Royal Water because I can afford it now), but it doesn't seem likely that you'll be disappointed. Salut, Creed!

Brent

Catherine Deneuve: "You should put scent where you like to be kissed."

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Another gullible BNer here... Took me 'til half way through the thread to realize. Good one, Grant!

It’s thought that people who hope too much will just waste their life away and never get down to doing any real work. They’re confusing Hope with Wish, its lazy cousin... When Wish whispers, “Something is just around the corner,” what comes or not is never what was wished for. When Hope whispers “Something is just around the corner,” something always is. -- Charlie Elberson

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Excellent, Grant, enough with the negativity! I further move that we only review Bois du Portugal. For me even thinking positive thoughts about a bunch of different frags can be confusing. And maybe also require that members refer to it in their reviews as Bois du Freedom.
Happy April 1!

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Well done Grant!

Inventive whimsical nonsense in the best of English tradition!

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, ...... I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Re: Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

Yikes! Ok, got me. Was building up a head of rage until I read the other comments. Newbie here.

Lally

The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”